The Everyone Project

The Everyone Project is a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting individuals from low-income backgrounds by providing free educational and career advancement opportunities. The organization aims to break generational cycles of poverty by offering students and adults the necessary resources, guidance, and support to pursue higher education or non-degree career paths. Through its eight-step program, students can explore career interests, participate in job shadowing, build resumes, engage in community service, and apply for scholarships, all with the goal of creating a successful future. 

In addition to helping students, The Everyone Project plans to expand its services to the broader community by becoming a hub for disaster relief donations and assisting local families in need. The organization focuses on serving high school students, middle schoolers, and adults who may have missed opportunities for higher education. The eight-step process, tailored to high school students, is designed to help participants explore career options, prepare for college, or develop skills for non-degree careers. The Everyone Project also plans to offer summer childcare, financial literacy classes, and job shadowing opportunities through partnerships with local businesses.

The Everyone Project uses a carefully designed eight-step program.

1.Career Determination. This helps students narrow their career interests. A free aptitude test is offered, if needed, and it's determined whether college is necessary for their chosen path.

2.Job Shadowing. We partner with professionals across various industries to offer smooth and simple job shadowing opportunities.

3.Resume Planning. In this phase, students outline their accomplishments, including work experience, education, skills, etc.

4.Community Service. Students engage in community service projects, often aligned with their career interests. 

5.College Search (if applicable). For students whose chosen careers require a degree, this step involves researching ideal colleges.

6.Resume Finalization. Building on previous steps, the student's resume is polished and structured for professional presentation.

7.Scholarship Search. Students research and apply for local scholarships with higher chances of success, as well as scholarships offered by their prospective colleges.

8.Pre-Graduation Preparation. This final step focuses on completing tasks before graduation. 

The long-term vision includes establishing a central office for student convenience, providing transportation for college tours and interviews, maintaining a donation closet, and offering a computer lounge for students without access to technology. Future plans also include a summer childcare program for working parents from low-income households.

Many individuals, present and future, will benefit from the programs and services offered. The primary demographic we serve consists of low-income communities.

Middle school students are a focus for the future plans of The Everyone Project. The program aims to provide free summer childcare services specifically for working families in low-income households. This initiative will alleviate financial burdens on parents and guardians, allowing them to invest their time and resources into furthering their own goals. Additionally, students will gain early exposure to The Everyone Project and its mission.

High school students were the initial target group and remain the main beneficiaries of the program. The eight-step initiative is designed for high school students who are committed to planning their futures. The program begins with juniors, guiding them through career exploration, aptitude testing, job shadowing, and more. This process helps us understand students’ needs, interests, and the financial opportunities available for assisted or free tuition.

The New Beginners group represents another key beneficiary of The Everyone Project. Many high school graduates are unaware of the potential for free or subsidized tuition. This group includes individuals later in life, stay-at-home parents whose children have left home, or those seeking a career change. 

Our Board of Directors is composed of a diverse group of professionals who bring a wealth of experience and expertise to the organization. This includes a dedicated teacher, who provides valuable insight into the educational needs of the students we serve, ensuring that our programs align with academic goals and support learning outcomes. We also have a nurse on our board, offering a healthcare perspective to ensure the well-being of the children and families we serve, particularly in terms of physical health and access to medical resources.

Additionally, a marketing professional on our board plays a crucial role in promoting the organization's mission and programs, helping us reach a broader audience and secure the support we need to sustain our efforts. Our board also includes a respiratory therapist, who brings specialized healthcare experience to the table, along with four years of direct involvement with our non-profit. This background gives a unique perspective on the specific health needs of the community, allowing us to better address the overall health and wellness of those we serve.

Together, the diverse skill set of our Board of Directors strengthens the foundation of the Everyone Project, enabling us to effectively address the varied needs of the community and ensure the continued growth and success of our mission. Their commitment and expertise in education, healthcare, marketing, and non-profit management contribute significantly to our ability to provide meaningful support and make a lasting impact.

We have established ourselves as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, allowing us to operate as a recognized charitable entity. Our outreach efforts include an active presence on social media and a dedicated website to engage with the community and share updates about our mission and programs. Additionally, we are currently partnered with a local high school, where we provide support and services that directly impact students and their families. These steps have laid a strong foundation for expanding our reach and continuing to serve the community effectively.

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This program stands out as an immersive and comprehensive approach to student support, filling a gap that traditional educational resources often leave unaddressed. Many existing programs limit their focus to assistance provided within schools or specific resources offered on an as-needed basis. In contrast, this initiative provides consistent, hands-on guidance, ensuring students receive the support they need throughout their educational journey. By addressing challenges proactively, we create a more inclusive environment that fosters both academic and personal growth.

What makes this program particularly impactful is its focus on step-by-step career advancement before graduation. We guide each student through tailored pathways that prepare them for life beyond school, equipping them with the skills, knowledge, and confidence to succeed in their chosen fields. By offering personalized support, this program ensures students are ready to take on the next phase of their lives, bridging the gap between education and career readiness in a way that existing resources cannot.

Our impact goals focus on empowering students and families through education, career preparation, and community support. Specifically, we aim to:

1. Improve Student Outcomes: Increase academic success by providing tailored educational resources and support, including tutoring, career guidance, and access to technology.
2. Enhance Family Stability: Offer consistent childcare, food security, and access to mental health resources to alleviate financial and emotional stress for families.
3. Promote Career Readiness: Equip students with skills, confidence, and tools to transition seamlessly into post-graduation opportunities, such as higher education or the workforce.
4. Build Community Engagement: Strengthen local partnerships and encourage community participation in programs to foster collective growth and support.

We measure progress towards these goals through both quantitative and qualitative methods. Key performance indicators include:

• Student Engagement Metrics: Tracking enrollment, attendance, and participation in educational and career-focused activities.
• Academic Progress: Monitoring improvements in grades, test scores, and college or vocational readiness.
• Family Impact: Conducting surveys to assess reductions in stress and improved access to essential resources.
• Community Feedback: Gathering input from students, families, and local partners to evaluate program effectiveness and identify areas for improvement.

By continually assessing these metrics, we ensure our programs remain impactful and adaptable to the evolving needs of the community.

We have actively reached out to various high school classes and student groups to introduce our program and its opportunities. Through these efforts, we’ve connected with students who are eager to participate and benefit from the resources we offer. The response has been overwhelmingly positive, with many students expressing strong interest in being part of the program.

What stands out is the genuine desire among these students to engage in the program, particularly those from low-income families. These students often face challenges and limitations that hinder their ability to envision a pathway to higher education and career success. They lack awareness of the resources and opportunities that exist for them, which makes it difficult for them to pursue their dreams.

However, once they hear our presentations and learn about the available resources, they experience a shift in perspective. Many students come to realize their own potential and the educational opportunities they are eligible for, which they may have previously thought were out of their reach. This newfound awareness inspires them to take action and explore higher education and career pathways they had not considered before.

This awakening is critical for low-income students, who often do not have access to the same support systems and guidance as their more affluent peers. By providing them with information, resources, and encouragement, we empower them to break through these barriers and pursue their aspirations.

Through our program, we aim to equip students with the tools, knowledge, and confidence they need to succeed. By offering personalized support and fostering a sense of possibility, we help these students take the first steps toward a brighter future, ensuring they have access to the opportunities and resources that can make their goals a reality.

Leah Ellis, Founder/CEO 423-255-5994

Cole Lowery, Vice President 423-987-0479

Britni Chisenall, Treasurer 423-309-9178

Victoria Cadavero, Secretary 423-508-2243

The plan began to take shape in 2021 when we formed a partnership with a local high school during the 2021-2022 school year. In 2022, we achieved 501(c)(3) status, solidifying our position as a nonprofit organization. That same year, we launched our social media presence and website to expand our outreach. In 2023, we grew our student accounts, further increasing our impact. Finally, in 2024, we hosted our first event, marking a significant milestone in the growth of our initiative.

Currently, we operate as a volunteer-driven non-profit organization, with no full-time staff members at this time. All individuals involved in the organization, including board members and volunteers, have other jobs and contribute their time and efforts to the non-profit on an as-needed basis. The only full-time personnel is the founder, who is working without pay, dedicating their time and energy to the growth and development of the organization.

As we look toward future growth, we recognize that securing funding will be crucial to our ability to expand and build a sustainable operation. Our plans for growth are tied to the financial resources we are able to acquire, allowing us to support staffing, develop new programs, and enhance our impact on the community. With the right funding, we aim to transition into a more structured organization, with staff positions that will be filled through an open and inclusive application process.

We are committed to being an organization that offers opportunities to all, regardless of background or experience. Our approach to staffing and recruitment will reflect this core value of inclusivity. We believe that a diverse workforce strengthens our ability to serve the community and fosters a positive, welcoming work environment. As such, our staffing processes will be designed to ensure equal opportunity for all applicants, ensuring that we create an environment where everyone has a chance to contribute meaningfully to our mission.

In the future, once funding is secured, we plan to bring on additional staff members who can help us manage the growing demand for our services and ensure that we are providing the best possible support to those we serve. These positions will be open to a wide range of candidates, reflecting our commitment to building an organization that is as diverse and inclusive as the community we serve. 

The primary beneficiaries of The Everyone Project are individuals in low-income communities. Our mission is to offer essential resources that help bridge the gap for families who may not have access to the tools they need for academic and personal success. Through our initiatives, we provide educational resources that are designed to support students and families in their growth and development.

In addition to educational materials, we offer free access to Microsoft Office and Canva, both of which are valuable tools for students and individuals seeking to enhance their skills and productivity. We also recognize the importance of mental health and well-being, which is why we provide free counseling services to ensure that students and families have the emotional support they need.

Our goal is to make these services accessible both online and in person. By offering online resources, we ensure that individuals in remote areas can still benefit from our programs. At the same time, we prioritize providing in-person guidance and support to help foster stronger connections within the community. This combination of virtual and personal engagement allows us to reach and serve those who need it most, creating a lasting positive impact on their lives.

Our plan for becoming financially sustainable involves a multi-faceted approach that includes diversifying our funding sources and building long-term partnerships. Initially, we have been reliant on donations and fundraising events, such as our annual Rise and Thrive event, which has helped us raise necessary funds to support our programs. To build upon this foundation, we will expand our fundraising efforts, explore grant opportunities, and develop relationships with local businesses and community partners who are aligned with our mission.

Although we are still in the early stages of this plan, evidence of success can be seen in our initial fundraising efforts and the strong community interest in our services. Our first event raised $1,500, which directly funded students' college applications and community service projects. This demonstrates that there is support for our mission and a willingness to contribute to our cause. As we expand our efforts and solidify partnerships, we anticipate continued growth in both our revenue and the services we can offer, which will ultimately help us achieve long-term financial sustainability.